J.Crew: Roses Vine Blazer Review

So I'm a little late on the bandwagon with this blazer, but I figure it's still worth it since it still keeps popping back online in the sale section.

I was thinking this would be super-cute for Spring (too hot here in the summer to make this appropriate!) and love the way other JCA's have fashioned it online.

Here's what I liked:

- nice weight for summer ( mostly unlined)

- lots of colors in the print, which makes it easy to pair with tanks and camis

- gathering at the waist in the back, creating a cinched waist

I'm wearing a size 2 here .... clearly not buttoned!!

Here's what I didn't like:

- the sleeve lining kept peeking out at the arm holes at the wrists - annoying

- no back slit / vent

- the collar kept acting funny or not laying correctly... it was just bugging me

- no cute lining for when you want to roll the sleeves up

Back - nice gathered waist and good length.

Bottom Line: This is a cute jacket for someone who thinks they can wear it in the Spring and Summer.  The print is definitely not for the fall or winter based on the print (IMO).  The fit is TTS from what I can tell.  It just didn't feel or look like a $100+ jacket... but for the sale price of $59 (minus any current 20% or 30% off promo) it might be worth a try.  It was a return for me.

OOTD: LOFT and Splendid **Updated with ring pic :(

First off, I made the horrid discovery this afternoon that I have lost the center diamond and setting to my engagement ring!  Yes, the entire center of my ring fell off!! (I'll post a pic later tonight .... it's just disgusting!)  Of course, I discover this after running about 10 different errands today.... and cleaning the whirlpool tub in our master bath (LOVE the nesting energy of late!) soooo.... I have NO idea where it could be.  The only thing keeping my from completely melting down is that it is insured, but I'm still devastated and really hoping it turns up here soon!  Seriously, I've only had it for four years.... I'm still emotionally attached (and fragile right now!)  What's worse, I haven't even started swelling like I did with Connor, so my ring actually still fit... but I now I can't wear it!!  At least I didn't solder the ring and band together on so I can still wear wear my wedding band!

                                 

Are you kidding me???

~~

As we approach D-Day, I'm pretty limited in what I'm able to wear ... so I apologize for the boring posts for the next couple of weeks!!

Dress: Splendid (Small)

Cami: LOFT Maternity (Small)

Bracelet: J.Crew {see review here}

Necklace: The Limited

This has got to be the MOST comfortable dress I've ever owned.... and it even looks great when I'm not prego!  Splendid pieces are pricey, but I'm happy with everything from Splendid I've ever purchased... and it's soooo soft!  Love it for my little guy, too!

J.Crew Review: Perfect-Fit Stripe Boatneck Tee

Perfect-Fit Stripe Boatneck Tee 

$39.50  Item# 27743Our perfect-fit tee in our favorite, most superbly slimming stripe of the season. Crafted in very soft cotton with extra-fine ribs. (We ooh la love it.) Three-quarter sleeves. Import. Machine wash.   Available in Navy and White.

This is the Navy in a Size Small

I absolutely love this shirt.  Usually I steer away from the Perfect-Fit tees because I think they are super clingy and not flattering on a less-than-perfect waistline.  However, the fabric on this is pretty substantial and the stripes are SO cute that I'm willing to at least keep this one until I have the baby and see how I like it without the bulging baby-bump.

I'm kind of striped-out at this point and I can't wait to rock the nautical look through the Fall and again next Spring! I miss wearing normal clothing!! Not too much longer to go!!

Bottom Line:  TTS to a little large compared to other Perfect-Fit tees (from what I can tell ;).  This is a GREAT shirt ... probably a 3-season or year-around tee for most climates.  Grab it while you can!  I rarely pay full price for anything, but this shirt is worth it if you can find your size!

Padded Hangers - A Cardigan's Best Friend

It probably means you have WAY too many sweaters and cardigans when they sit in the same place on a hanger long enough for the shoulders to actually start molding to the hanger. 

Now, before you start thinking I'm a complete wardrobe dunce, I do use the thicker plastic hangers (without the 'strap holder grooves' on the top) for ALL my cardigans, sweaters (if they're not folded) and more delicate items.  And then I love the plastic hangers WITH the notches on the top for all my tanks, camis, etc...

However, even the best plastic hanger (or wooden for that matter) can and will leave it's mark on your clothing, especially if it's not worn often or heavy.

I set out to find a great deal on padded hangers.  I hit up my usual suspects.... Target, TJMaxx, Bed Bath and Beyond, etc... but they either didn't have any or they were too expensive to make sense.  Let's face it, I don't need super-high-quality, just decent quality but in high quantity.

I have a bit of closet OCD, so if I'm gonna switch all my cardigans and sweaters (and delicate tops) to padded satin hangers, they ALL have to be switched over... otherwise I will go nuts every time I walk into my closet.

So where to turn?  Good 'ole Walmart is usually game for providing a product that no one else has at an exceptional low price.  (I have lots of examples, but I won't boar you... mostly including housewares, paper goods, etc...)  Now I didn't truck my waddling butt to the local Walmart, and thank goodness.  Their padded hangers on online only...

Padded Hanger Bundle Set of 20 - $19.00

This is the best deal I could find - and when I got them on my doorstep, I was not disappointed in the least!  What a fabulous deal!! 

So far I've gotten 60 of these hangers and put them all to use.  I love that I can just order more on a whim at any time because the shipping charge is only $2 (or free if they ship it to your store!).  The quality feels the same as any other padded hanger I've run across and they work perfectly for my needs!

Bottom Line: If your cardi collection is screaming for some relief, check these out ASAP!  They are wonderful and easy on the pocketbook!

Misc J.Crew Sale Items - IRL Pics

A little peek at the items I picked up at my B&M last week during the 30% off sale promo...many are still available online or in stores!

Impressionist Pencil Skirt

Can't even get this over my hips right now, but 30% off $59 was too yummy to leave behind.  LOVE this skirt and the length will be much better than some of last years pencil skirts.

Ruched V Neck Dress

This is a really cute fit (even prego).  I'm wearing an XS here and could still wear this out.... so it's probably a good thing it came in an XXS!  This color was on sale, but there is a nice blue and black still online for $59.  For some reason, I like this

Saturday Twist Dress

I LOVE the Orchid Shadow color.  Wearing the XS here ... way too small to wear right now.  I don't mind that this dress is a little shorter than others ... I'm kind of over the Amish-length summer dresses JC has offered recently.

Cotton Check Shirt

This is a size 2.  Love the softness of this shirt.   This was 30% off $39 I believe.

Spring Buffalo Check Scarf

Just couldn't resist this!

White Popover

Can't wait to throw this on over leggings later this summer and fall.  I can't get it over my tummy right now.... hence the upper-body shot here.  This was 30% off $19.

Torque Moto Cardigan

Yeah, this is like the third time I bought this.  The last time was an XS, but I'm back to the Small based on the arm tightness.  I figured I wouldn't even be able to get the XS over my arms after I washed it, so a Small it is!  I originally bought this at full-price, but 30% off $49 was much nicer!

sort-of closed....

The length on the Small was a little better than the XS... which is good for us long-waisted gals!

On a Similar Note: I seriously cannot believe that J. Crew has gone back to final sale online and in-store (when there is extra % off).  Boo :(  That will definitely make my current shopping ban a lot easier ... I won't even allow myself to look at the Final Sale section right now!  And, I'm trying to avoid reading any blog entries and comments about any great deals!  Let's see how long that lasts!

OOTD: 'Pink' White and Blue

This morning was about 70 degrees, which feels COLD compared to the icky 95+ degree weather we've been having around here!  That means, I got to wear my new favorite cardigan while running errands this morning!  Yay!

Cardigan: Mossimo Black, Size Small (Target)

Top: Maternal America, Size Small (Nordstrom)

Jeans: Japanese Weekend, Size Small (LOFT)

Bracelet: Target

Gap: Nautical Stripes Galore!

**Updated: Gap is offered 25% off your entire order (plus free shipipng if you spend $100) for the Holiday Weekend!  Just use code GAPJULY4 at checkout!  Happy Shopping!**

OMG this post has a lot of stripes!!  Ahh!!  I'm really 'climbing aboard' the nautical stripe trend right now (haha - my attempt at a pun) and Gap has a lot to offer!  I took IRL pics of what I could!

Nautical Tunic Top

This was in the Gap Body side of the B&M by my house, but I really thought it was in the regular clothing section online.  The fabric is substantial and not see-through .... very nice!  Either way, I plan on wearing this with skinny jeans this fall.  The color is an olive/gray.  I'm wearing an XS here.  The fit is supposed to be a bit flowy I think.

Printed Slub Tank

This is definitely more of a lounge/PJ style tank.  I ended up returning it because of that fact.  Otherwise, it's really cute and comes in several colors.  I'm wearing a size Small here.

Slub Tank Dress

I really freakin' wanted to love this dress .... and I guess I do, but:  I think that it's going to be too fitted in the bum and hip area  (especially considering it's a flimsy cotton dress).  The last thing I want to have to worry about is underwear lines and see-through-ness when I'm wearing a super-comfy throw-on dress!  I bet the solid colors would be more forgiving.  I had my sis try this on for me and it was a touch snug in HER hips and she is at least a size smaller than me (not prego) so this puppy had to go back.  Bummer!

Striped Cropped-sleeve Henley Tee

This is awesome and a definite keeper!  (same fabric and print as the dress above, BTW)  I got a small so it won't be tight after the baby and I think I'll be able to nurse in this top (when unbuttoned) as well!  The brown stripe is also cute... I may get it if they run any full-price promos.

Striped Cuff-sleeve T

My sister talked me into this.  Not sure if I should keep the XS or S (because I can't really tell right now) but the fit is already drapey and I want to wear it with leggings.  I'm leaning toward keeping the small because I want it to be long enough to cover my butt.  I have to decide between the gray and yellow and the gray and navy.  I'm leaning toward yellow since I already have so many navy striped things!

Thanks for stopping by!  Are you going cross-eyed from all the stripes?  haha!

Lusting After Some Talbots: It's Been A While! (And, We're Back to a Shopping Ban!)

Here's the Deal:

In preparing for our second baby, and indulging in a little more maternity shopping than I should have/ planned for, I've really spent beyond my budget.  That said, I am putting myself on a Voluntary, yet very much necessary, Shopping Ban until after the baby is born.

Looking ahead, I've been making lists (both mental and written) of clothing pieces that I would really like to try for fall and possibly late summer (when hopefully I can fit back into an almost normal size for me).   This will be in place of actually buying, trying, returning or keeping, etc... at least for a while!

I'll be periodically picking a store or website, reviewing items that I own that I love from there, and then showcasing items on my "Lust List".

I start with: Talbots...

**Update:  A wonderful blogger, Gigi, over at GigisGoneShopping.blogspot.com is currently running a giveaway contest where one lucky reader will receive a $250 Talbots Gift Card!!  WOW!!  {Enter Here} Be sure to stop by and check it out!!**

I haven't 'visited' Talbots on this blog for a while ... I think since I made an absurd amount of jewelry purchases early in the Spring.... probably when they were offering 20% off any purchase to Rewards members a few months ago (which was awesome!)  What is really tough about NOT shopping at Talbots right now is that I have a $25 Rewards card burning a hole in my wallet!

The most recent Talbots catalog is pretty impressive - and I say this as a J.Crew junkie and enthusiast.  In fact, about 50% of the catalog could have passed as J.Crew.  The other 50%:  more dressy, work appropriate, or conservative driven.... but still cute.  Bottom line, Talbots has made some big improvements here lately (as has LOFT, in my opinion) so those of us in the 25-35 age range needn't automatically walk by the Talbots at the local mall .... walk in and check it out!

Still loving (and NOT able to wear at the moment, thanks to the now very-apparent baby bump I'm carrying with me) the Twill Trench in Gypsy Rose...

Currently on Sale for $89!

5-months Prego - this is a size P2

And, getting a lot of wear out of these beauties (which come in a narrow - woot!)

Python-Embossed Leather Wedges - on sale for $78.99

Funny thing about these shoes ... a lady at a boutique where I like to check out the newest Tory Burch and Stuart Weitzman shoes (both of which run narrow) commented on these and asked wear they were from because so many of their customers are looking for shoes to fit narrow feet!  I told her Talbots and she looked shocked, but said she was going to have to start sending her clients there to look at shoes!  haha!  Where's my commission!?! LOL

So what am I lusting after right now?

Parachute Poplin Jacket - $89

This jacket comes in a ton of great colors, but I'm really wanting the Deck Red.  I tried this on in a size 2 in my local store about a month ago and fell in love!!  I'm thinking the red color will be great for fall, but also compliment my surplus of white and navy I've gathered during this 'nautical' trend.  Usually I go with a Petite 2 if there is no regular size 2 offered.  Luckily, this style does come in a regular 2, which is good because it provides extra length for my long torso!

Boat-Stripe Tee - $34.50

Just add this to the many-a-striped tees and tanks that I am loving right now.  This tee comes in many great colors, some on sale for $16! I'd like to see the navy and possibly the red colors!  Not sure on the sizing for this one, but I'm thinking either a PP, PS, or S.  I wish an XS was offered.

Crushable Straw Hobo - $62.99 on sale

I've loved this for a while.  Perfect size and style for summer, it even has a little gold fleck in it.  Also came in a brown that I would be interested in, as well!

Anything YOU are lusting after at Talbots right now?  Have you tried either of these 2 items?  I'd love to hear what you think!

J.Crew Review: Sailor-Stripe Always Cardigan - I'm Gonna Use the Word LOVE

Sailor Stripe Cardigan in Navy - $42.50

Sizes XS-XL and also comes in white w/ navy stripe!

(All knits and tees are 20% off right now, including this cardigan)

This is the navy in size XS.

The back .... not sure why it's all bunched up like that!  A great length... not crazy long, but long enough.  Perfect!

I'm thinking I might even wear it with a silver belt once I get my waist back!!  This looks GREAT with white, but I want to experiment with other colors, too!

Bottom Line:  A MUST HAVE for Summer and Fall.  I wanted to wear this as soon as I got it ... but alas it is 100 degrees here!  Cannot wait to wear it!  A nice, soft cotton.  Super-easy to throw on!  TTS.  I also ordered it in the white color, so I'll review that when it comes in, too!

*FYI*  Officially 35 weeks today... in case you were wondering how long I had until I'm due to deliver that 'basketball' you see under my outfits!

Madewell Order: Striped Tank and Moto Jacket *Updated Pics*

The Madewell order I placed last week (see THIS post) came in on Friday... packaged very VERY much like the J.Crew shipment that came at the same time!  Appears the Madewell items shipped from Lynchburg, as well, and they use the same packing, receipts, return shipping, etc...

Anyway, here are the best pics I could get (I'm getting to big to 'force' items on for fear of permanently disfiguring them!) so I did the best I could in reviewing...

Striped Tank...

I'm wearing a size Small here.  It stretched over my belly pretty easily, but I wouldn't actually wear it like that right now!

First reaction: Cute, OK material (not very stretchy or supple, but for the price, OK)  and not LOVING the tan color with the navy (was thinking it was whiter).  The fit, from what I can tell, this puppy is LARGE on the top.  I couldn't get it to look right on the top part... definitely not something you could wear without a cami or something under it, unless you size down.  The colors grew on me and I actually thought about keeping it for fall, but I can't justify that with the sizing seeming a bit off. (maybe they got that from JC?  ha!)

Bottom Line:  Runs large (at least in the top and around the arms). OK if you NEED a striped tank, but I think there will be better ones out there.

Moto Sweatshirt Jacket...

This I absolutely cannot zip up and didn't want to try. (not sure what that white circle is on the first pic.... sorry!)  This is a size Small.

First Reaction:  A little shorter than I hoped, but probably right-on for the moto look.  Like the slightly faded, casual black.  Very nice sweatshirt material.  Arms are kind of ribbed and feel like a dream!  I am going to have my sister try this on for me today to get a better idea of the fit and look.  I want this to work, even at full price, but I really need to see on someone else.

Bottom Line:  I think this runs pretty TTS, but like I said, I'm not quite sure yet.  I think this is a keeper ... a very unique piece for fall.

NEW PICS!!   I enlisted my little sis who is in from college this weekend to try on this Moto Jacket so we (myself included) could see what it actually looks like on and zipped!  For reference, she is only about 5' and a size 0, but anway.... :)

I really love it.  It will be more cropped on me, but that's OK because that's part of the "motorcycle" look.  I really liked the contrasting bronze/brown zippers and pulls.  Definitely a keeper... both my sister and mom thought so.  Thanks Lisa for modeling!  Wish you were here all the time so I could utilize your little body!